9:15 Message From U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley

Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley was the first U.S. Senator to endorse a cannabis legalization campaign and he has emerged to be one of the top elected officials fighting for sensible cannabis laws.

9:30 OLCC Regulators Presentation with Q & A

The Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) - placed in charge of the state's burgeoning cannabis industry - has guided the industry admirably as thousands of jobs have been created and millions of dollars in revenue have been generated, exceeding expectations. Learn about the current status of the industry from the viewpoint of the regulators in charge and get your burning questions answered directly from the source.

10:30 The Future of the Oregon Cannabis Industry

Cannabis legalization in Oregon has created thousands of jobs, generated tens of millions in revenue, and vastly decreased marijuana-related arrests, but the work is not done yet. Cannabis cafes are not allowed and businesses are prohibited from exporting their products. This panel will discuss current efforts to improve Oregon's cannabis laws so the industry can fully thrive.

11:15 Planning for Success: Critical Aspects of Due Diligence

The extra scrutiny placed on the cannabis industry by regulators, financial institutions, and the public means that companies must emphasize appropriate due diligence. Additionally, the interconnected nature of this risk means that companies should have a higher standard of assessment for potential suppliers, partners, and key individuals, including their respective reputations. Companies and their stakeholders need to understand the financial, operational, regulatory, and reputational risks associated with the industry and how to plan accordingly. By doing so, companies can appropriately manage short-term risk and generate significant long-term value.

12:00 The ABCs of CBD

Not as well known (or, let's be honest, as fun) as THC, CBD has big health benefits and is big business. The health benefits of CBD have rightfully gotten a ton of good press in recent years and even people that would never think of smoking cannabis are utilizing CBD products for a whole host of reasons. The CBD market has now exploded and will only continue to expand in the coming years. Hear from folks that are pioneering this burgeoning segment of the cannabis/hemp industry.

12:45 BREAK

12:45 - 2:00 Break. This is a great time to network at our boutique Exhibitor Arena.

2:00 Mom & Pop Pitch Event

Everyone likes to claim that they support mom-and-pops, but too often do their shopping at big chains or on Amazon. The ICBC is proud to directly assist a local small business doing business the right way. Oregon has created 19,000-plus jobs and is generating over $80 million a year in new tax revenue (double what the state expected). However, too many mom-and-pop businesses are finding it too hard to thrive in an overly-regulated, oversaturated market. The International Cannabis Business Conference's Mom-and-Pop Pitch Event will award a deserving local cannabis business at least $10,000, no strings attached. This event will take place on the ICBC Main Stage at 2 pm, September 28, 2018. For the finalists chosen to participate in this event, the opportunity to present your business to a sold-out crowd of attendees who perfectly fit your target demographic is perhaps a bigger business opportunity in the long run than winning $10,000.

Judges

3:00 Strategic Partnership: You're Brilliant, But You Can't Do It Alone

No one thrives in the cannabis industry alone. Really, no one thrives in any industry alone. Whether it is finding your right business partner for your own operation or teaming up with others to get your products on the shelves or effectively market your services, this panel will help you think about the partnerships you can make to succeed in the cannabis industry.

3:45 Cannabis Cultivation and Testing

Everything in the cannabis industry begins with cultivation. Sound cultivation techniques may vary, but certain techniques can be universal to help you produce quality cannabis and meet regulatory demands. Testing cannabis for pesticides or other contaminants are a strict requirement in Oregon and many current legal locales and will certainly always be an issue. This panel will cover the ins and outs of cannabis cultivation and the testing requirements that must be met to get the cannabis to the market.

4:15 Terpenes and the Marketplace

A discussion of typical chemotypes in cannabis and where you may find value due to a unique terpene expression in plant. Learn various sources of terpenes, their demonstrated physiological effects, and formulation options for your product pipeline.

4:30 Raising Capital

Not as fun as Raising Arizona, but it has to be done if you want to start a business and thrive in this market. It takes capital to survive in the cannabis industry, even in states with relatively low barriers to entry. Learn the opportunities that cannabis business have to garner capital and how you can make your business attractive to investors.